Companies House Identity Verification Delayed Until 2027

Companies House Identity Verification Delayed Until 2027

Companies House has announced a delay to some of its planned identity verification requirements, giving businesses and their accountants more time to prepare.

The requirement for people who file company documents and accounts on behalf of companies, but who are not company directors, was originally expected to become compulsory from November 2026.

Companies House has now confirmed that this change will happen no earlier than November 2027.

These “presenters” include people such as accountants and others who file accounts and official Companies House documents on behalf of companies.

What about accountants and filing agents?

Companies House has also delayed a related requirement for third-party agents who file documents for companies. These agents will eventually need to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).

This is also now expected to be introduced no earlier than November 2027.

Companies House has confirmed that it will provide at least six months’ notice before the new requirements come into effect.

What does this mean for you?

For now, there is no need to take action as a result of these delayed requirements.

The changes form part of the wider reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), which are intended to improve transparency and reduce the risk of fraud and misuse of UK companies.

Here at Kennedys Accounting – we will continue to monitor the changes and keep our clients updated as further information becomes available.